'Champion human': Golfing world pays tribute to Jarrod Lyle

As news of the passing of Jarrod Lyle after a long battle with leukemia came to hand on Thursday morning, the outpouring of emotions from all corners of the sporting world immediately followed.

Such was Lyle's popularity, both with fans and his fellow golfers, that to chronicle all of the well wishes and condolences to his family would be virtually impossible. But here is a sampling of the impact the 36-year-old's passing has had.

Popular character: Jarrod Lyle at the 2016 Australian Open.Credit:AAP

"It is through a river of tears I say goodbye to my friend Jarrod Lyle. A wonderful father, friend and golfer," Australian golfer Greg Chalmers tweeted. "Quick with a joke, didn’t mind a beer, and just a pure joy to be around every day. Miss you mate. RIP"

Advertisement

"It is with a heavy heart and a mountain of tears that I say a final goodbye to my friend Jarrod Lyle," wrote another golfer, American veteran Tripp Isenhour.

"For 20 years he fought this disease like no one could. Thank you for touching us all in so many wonderful ways! RIP to a champion of a human."

South African Trevor Immelman, the 2008 US Masters winner, praised Lyle's 'strength, perseverance and courage as an 'example for all' and the legendary Ernie Els summed it up best, saying "the world lost a good man".

Lyle's fellow Australian Steve Elkington offered a bible verse, along with a cartoon of Lyle entering heaven, while Scott Hend praised his mate's 'big laugh' and his ability to tease others without coming across as nasty.

The grief wasn't limited to golfers, with scores of fans, golf writers, other journalists, sponsors and sports organisations coming together to pay tribute to Lyle, who turned professional back in 2004.

Perhaps the best example of just how loved Lyle was came on Tuesday, when up-and-coming American Bryson DeChambeau claimed victory in the PGA Championship long drive competition (which precedes the major, starting tonight AEST) and announced he was donating the prize money to Lyle's family.

Tommy Fleetwood, Paul Gow, Aron Price, Francesco Molinari and Marcus Fraser were among other pros who paid tribute to Lyle publicly - as well as opposition leader Bill Shorten, AFL hall of famer Kevin Bartlett, newsreader Sandra Sully and tennis great Todd Woodbridge - with that list sure to keep growing throughout the days to come.